The **United Kingdom** has developed a [new way to generate **renewable energy**](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/china-desarrollan-un-cemento-termoelectrico-capaz-de-almacenar-energia/), using **futuristic ships** capable of **”fishing” energy from the ocean**.
In a context where **wind energy** accounts for **8% of global electricity production**, it is expected to become the **second-largest renewable source** by the end of the decade, surpassing **hydroelectric power**, according to the **International Energy Agency**.
**Wind turbines** harness, on average, **50% of wind energy**, a higher efficiency compared to **solar panels**, which capture only **20% of solar radiation**.
However, offshore **wind turbines** offer additional advantages:
– Greater efficiency in **high wind areas**.
– Less dependence on land location.
– More stable energy production.
Now, the **United Kingdom has gone a step further**, creating **technological boats** that maximize the utilization of [marine wind](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/como-la-energia-solar-eolica-y-hidrica-pueden-cambiar-el-mercado-energetico/).
## Drift: boats that transform wind into energy
In **2024**, the United Kingdom made **wind energy** its **main energy source**.
In this context, the startup **Drift** has developed **advanced boats** that follow marine wind using a **modified racing yacht**.
According to its founder, **Ben Medland**, the company aims to **generate renewable energy in the ocean** using sailboats and transport it to ports worldwide.
Drift has developed **two prototypes**, slightly over **5 meters in length**, presented in **2022** at the **Sail GP sailing league** in the port of **Plymouth, United Kingdom**.
## The technology behind energy “fishing” boats
Drift’s high-performance **catamarans** feature:
– **Hydrofoils** that lift them above water to reduce resistance.
– **Submarine turbine**, similar to propellers but working in reverse: **capturing energy from water movement**.
– **Onboard electrolyzer** transforming seawater into **hydrogen**, storing it as **clean fuel**.
This system allows the obtained energy to be used in industrial processes, cars, planes, and ships, without the need for conventional electrical infrastructure.
## A mobile and flexible energy source
Medland states that this advancement represents the **first class of mobile renewable energy**, eliminating the need for:
– **Electric grid infrastructure**.
– **Submarine cables**.
– **Anchors or foundations**.
In his words, these are **”free-field wind turbines”**, capable of operating without geographical restrictions.
## The future of maritime energy
Using wind to propel ships is not new, but Drift’s technology aims to **decarbonize the maritime sector** by harnessing ocean energy for sustainable production.
The company is working on a **new boat model** with a **1.5-megawatt generation capacity**, comparable to a **large wind turbine** (91 meters tall).
The first boat of this new generation will hit the water **in the next two years**, with the goal of developing **large-scale commercial models**.
The estimated cost of this innovative vessel is **$24 million**, attributed to **research and development expenses**.
